- August 21, 2026
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7 min read
Cannabis distillation systems typically range from $20,000-$75,000 for entry-level craft units, $75,000-$250,000 for mid-scale systems, up to $250,000-$1,000,000+...
Root Sciences offers a full range of short-path, wiped-film distillation systems through two trusted German-engineered lines: VTA and UIC. VTA, our longest-standing partnership, delivers fully featured systems known for consistent performance and long-term reliability in cannabis and hemp distillate production. UIC offers the same engineering foundation in a more cost-conscious package. Together, these lines let facilities of any size choose the throughput, setup, and features that fit their production goals.
This process refines extracted crude oil to produce a high-potency, standardized distillate.
01
Distillation creates a clean, consistent base that can be used across multiple product types, making expansion easier.
02
Using trim and lower‑grade biomass helps reduce input costs while still producing reliable, potent oil.
03
Choose the right scale for your operation, from compact lab systems to high-throughput industrial solutions.
Glass wiped-film distillation system designed as an affordable, user-friendly starting point for labs entering cannabis and hemp distillation or scaling on a budget
Typical Throughtput
1.3 L/h
Evaporator
0.05 m²
German-engineered distillation system designed for continuous production of high-quality cannabis and hemp distillate
Typical Throughtput
1.3 L/h
Evaporator
0.05 m²
Compact wiped-film distillation system engineered to help processors produce clean, consistent cannabinoid distillate without the footprint of a larger unit
Typical Throughtput
3.5 L/h
Evaporator
0.06 m²
Suited for facilities that need a step up in capacity from smaller units, with clear process visibility and a layout that operators can monitor easily
Typical Throughtput
2.8 L/h
Evaporator
0.15 m²
High-capacity wiped-film distillation system designed for processors who need greater throughput and consistent cannabinoid refinement across larger production runs
Typical Throughtput
5 L/h
Evaporator
0.10 m²
Implemented in commercial workflows where consistent, higher-capacity refinement is required on a day-to-day basis
Typical Throughtput
5.5 L/h
Evaporator
0.10 m²
One of the largest commercial distillation systems, built for continuous, high-quality cannabinoid refinement
Typical Throughtput
15 L/h
Evaporator
0.20 m²
Our largest distillation system, designed for continuous, industrial production environments
Typical Throughtput
40 L/h
Evaporator
0.40 m²
Root Sciences offers custom-built VTA equipment options tailored to any scale of processing operation
Typical Throughput
40 L/h
Evaporator
0.40 m²
Cannabis distillation is a post-extraction refinement process used to purify crude cannabis or hemp oil into high-purity cannabinoid distillate. Wiped-film, or short-path, distillation spreads oil into a thin film across a heated surface under vacuum, allowing cannabinoids and other compounds to vaporize at lower temperatures. The vapors are then condensed and collected separately from heavier materials, residual solvents, fats, and impurities. Root Sciences offers German-engineered VTA and UIC wiped-film distillation systems for CBD and THC processing, with options ranging from lab-scale systems to high-volume industrial distillation equipment.
Our commercial cannabis distillation systems can process approximately 20 to 360 liters of feed material per day, depending on the system and operating schedule. For larger industrial-scale operations, select systems can process up to 1,000+ liters per day under continuous operation.
Actual finished distillate output will vary based on factors such as feedstock composition, cannabinoid concentration, number of distillation passes, operating parameters, and overall process efficiency.
Distillation yield and cannabinoid recovery depend heavily on the quality and composition of the incoming crude oil, feed preparation, operating parameters, and desired final product specifications.
Root Sciences can help evaluate your feedstock and production goals to determine realistic recovery, potency, and throughput expectations for the recommended distillation system.
Yes. Both lines offer multiple system sizes and throughput tiers, making it easy for labs to start with an entry-level model and expand to higher-capacity units as demand increases.
The best fit depends on your target throughput, material volume, available utilities, and preferred level of automation. Smaller and mid-size systems suit developing labs, while high-throughput units support continuous industrial production.
Both VTA and UIC deliver German-engineered wiped-film short path distillation systems for cannabis and hemp processing. Each line focuses on producing clean, high-purity distillate through continuous, controlled separation. The right choice depends on your operating goals, budget, and scale.
Both VTA and UIC produce reliable, high-purity cannabis and hemp distillate with continuous operation and strong repeatability. Choose the line that best aligns with your current scale, future growth plans, and budget, and Root Sciences will support you through selection, installation, training, and ongoing maintenance.
| Model | Brand | Typical Throughput (L/h) | Maximum Throughput (L/h) | Scale | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KDL 5 | UIC | ~2.0 | Varies | Small | Entry-level wiped-film system with a compact footprint. |
| VKL 75 | VTA | ~1.3 | ~3.5 | Small | Supports steady, routine distillation for smaller operations. |
| KD 6 | UIC | ~3.0 | Varies | Small to Mid | Designed for modest increases in throughput with simple operation. |
| VKL 85 | VTA | ~2.8 | ~4.25 | Small to Mid | Offers higher capacity than the VKL 75 with clear process visibility. |
| KD 10 | UIC | ~5.0 | Varies | Mid | Suitable for operators expanding beyond small-scale output. |
| VKS 95 | VTA | ~5.5 | ~14 | Mid | Supports extended runs and stable processing for growing facilities. |
| VKS 125 | VTA | ~15 | ~20 | Large | High-capacity system built for large-scale production needs. |
| VK 200 | VTA | ~40 | ~50 | Industrial | Multi-stage design intended for high-volume, continuous operation. |
Most wiped-film systems process winterized or decarboxylated crude oil from cannabis or hemp extraction. Exact preparation requirements vary depending on system size, vacuum performance, and desired final product characteristics.
Most units feature operator-friendly controls, clear workflows, and straightforward setup. VTA equipment often includes more advanced automation, while UIC systems emphasize accessible operation and real-time visibility depending on user preference.
Wiped-film distillation is a gentle refinement method that separates cannabinoids from heavier compounds using a thin film of oil across a heated surface. It is widely used because it preserves sensitive components while producing clean, consistent distillate for vape products, edibles, tinctures, and topicals.
Distillate produced on UIC and VTA systems is commonly used in vape formulations, edibles, tinctures, softgels, capsules, beverages, and a range of infused cannabis and hemp products.
Vacuum depth is crucial because it allows cannabinoids to evaporate at lower temperatures, which helps prevent thermal degradation. Both UIC and VTA incorporate specialized pumps and vacuum gauges to maintain stable operating conditions.
Routine cleaning, seal checks, and vacuum monitoring are standard for wiped-film systems. Preventive Maintenance Kits are available to help labs replace commonly used parts on a predictable schedule and minimize downtime.
Root Sciences provides installation support, operator training, troubleshooting assistance, and access to maintenance kits and replacement parts to keep systems running reliably.
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Contact our team to discuss your production needs and find the perfect cannabis distillation solution.